Folding jack.



Patented Dec. 3, I90".

E. s. NORTHRUP.

FOLDING JACK.

(Application filed June 14, 1900) (No Model.)

UNITED STATES ELMER S. NORTHRUP, OF OAMBRIA, MICHIGAN.

FOLDING JACK.

SFEGIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 687,772, dated December 3, 1901.

Application filed June 14, 1900- To (ZZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ELMER S. NORTHRUP, a citizen of the United States, residing at 0ambria, in the county of Hillsdale and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Folding Jacks; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to improvements in scaffolds, jacks, or stands for the use of paper-hangers, plasterers, printers, decorators, and others, and has for its object the production ofa simple, cheap, durable, and efficient device of this character which may be readily and conveniently folded, so as to be easily carried, packed in close compass, and quickly set up for use.

With this and other minor objects in view the invention consists of certain novel features of construction, combination, and arrangement of parts, as will be hereinafter more fully described,and particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings, hereto annexed and forming a part of this specification, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a folding scaffold or jack embodying the novel features of my invention. Fig. 2 is a similar View showing the scaffold or jack folded up. Fig. 3 is a sectional view through the pivoted platform and cooperating parts of the top of the scaffold or jack. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the platform detached.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, in which like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the numerals 1 and 2 represent two sets or pairs of uprights forming the frame of the scaffold or jack, each pair of uprights being connected by rungs 3 and the two pairs pivotally mounted upon a central rung or pivot-rod 4, so as to fold together,after the manner of an ordinary folding camp-stool. The pairs of uprights when spread out to hold the device erect, as shown in Fig. 1, form two approximately X-shaped frames, between the upper ends of which the platform 5 is mounted and serves as a support for the operator and the pails or implements used by him. The platform 5 is of rectangular form and is Serial No. 20,331. (No model.)

grooved, as shown at 6, in its edge .at one end to partly embrace the upper rung 3, connecting the upper ends of the uprights 2, and'to this end of the platform is secured a U- shaped strap-hinge 7, which embraces the said rung and holds it snugly seated in the said groove 6, thus forming a hinge on which the platform is adapted to swing, so as to be brought to a horizontal position and stretched between the frames for use or folded down between the two uprights 2 when it is desired to close up or fold the frame for storage or transportation.

Connected to the upper portions of the uprights 1 is a rung 8. The free end of the platform is provided in its under side adjacent to its edge with a transverse groove or recess 9, which is adapted to receive the said rung when the platform is elevated and mounted in position for use, as shown in Fig. 1. To hold the platform in position, locking-plates 10 are secured to the opposite sides thereof and are provided with notches 11, which are located in line with the said groove or recess 9, and are adapted to receive the auxiliary rung or rod 8, the pressure of the platform serving to maintain said locking-plates in engagement and prevent the platform from dropping and the frame from collapsing while in use. Below the rung 8, secured to the uprights 1, is an intermediate rung b which serves to strengthen the detachably-connected end of the platform, thereby relieving said uprights of strain brought to bear thereon when the platform is in use.

To set up the scaffold for use, the uprights comprising the frames 1 and 2 are moved outwardlyinto the position shown in Fig. 1, and the platform is then swung up and the locking-plates 10 engaged with the auxiliary rung or rod 8, whereby the parts are maintained in their proper relative positions. In folding the frame the free end of the platform is elevated, the upper ends of the uprights then moved outwardly a short distance, so as -to allow the locking-plates to clear the auxiliary rung or rod 8, and the platform is then swung downward between the uprights 2 and the frame collapsed, as shown in Fig. 2. The scaffold is then folded in close compass, so as to occupy a minimum amount of space, and may be conveniently stored or transported.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patout, is-

A folding jack consisting of uprights having rungs at their upper and lower ends, a strengthening-rung located below one of said rungs, a central rung for pivotally connecting the uprights together, a platform having a transverse edge channel and a strap-hinge at one end thereof to pivotally connect the platform to one of the upper rungs, the opposite end of the platform having on its under side a transverse groove, and plates with notches connected to the edges of the platform on opposite sides thereof, the notches being in a straight line with the groove whereby to connect the same with the upper end rung opposite the strap-hinge rung thereby locking the uprights and platform together when in a raised or extended position, said notched plates and transverse groove also serving to connect with the said pivotal rung to hold the platform and uprights together when folded, substantially as specified.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

ELMER S. NORTHRUP.

Witnesses:

DAVID S. CARD, Ross DALEY. 

